ORN council keeps automatic extensions for employees

Published 6:00 pm, Monday, January 12, 2004

The crowd of approximately 70 people crowded in the council chambers to make it clear that they want the three employees to feel secure in their jobs and be fairly compensated if terminated.

ORN Mayor Joe Michels introduced the item to the city of ORN after reviewing personnel procedures and watching in November as Conroe City Council members nixed the automatic contract extensions for City Administrator Craig Lonon.

Currently the three employees work under a two-year contract, which automatically extends an additional year each April 15.

Therefore is one of the three is terminated without cause they can receive up to 24 months severance pay.

Michels asked the council to consider halting the rolling extension for Walters, Mendes and Bienvenu in the interest of tax payer dollars.

"My opinion is that (12 to 24 months) is too much of a guaranteed severance package. In the private sector severance packages are paid for with company profits. In the public sector they are paid for out of tax dollars."

Michels made it clear to the group that the motion was not to terminate the employees but rather to look at for the financial interest of the city. He also said the contract could be renewed by the council at any time in the future after review.

But the crowd was not buying it and one by one citizens stood to give their opinion in favor of granting the extensions and severance if ever necessary.

"The idea of them not being under a contract makes them subject to politics and anyone who may be on the council at a given time," ORN resident Dan McHenry said.

Other residents said a contract should be granted as an award for the employees years of service and dedication to the city.

But Michels said new council members coming on board shouldn't be held to an old council decision.

"If someone runs (for a council seat) on the platform that they are going to fire the police chief, the voters who selected that person shouldn't be denied the change," he said.

Following citizens' comments, each of the three employees were asked to speak.

All acknowledged that not being under a contract was perhaps the best business minded decision but also said they like feeling "secure" and "wanted" in their positions.

Leah Gray, Greg Kubeczka and James Walton voted against the non-renewal. Bill Walter and Mollie Hoff were not present.

Council members agreed to discuss an alternative severance package for the three employees and other tenured employees in the near future.